@Judahonthebeats Choose Wisely Video

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

For the DMV Only: Introduce yourself to our readers. Who is DJ Schemes?DJ Schemes: DJ Schemes is the life of the party and the pulse of the room. In a nutshell, I bring positive energy to the club scene. My sole purpose is to make sure people are having fun. I want to touch everybody in the room no matter what race they are and where they are from. At the end of the night, I want to know that I played a wide range of music that everybody enjoyed.

For the DMV Only: What makes you different from other DJs in the DMV?DJ Schemes: I try not to compare myself to other DJs, but my versatility makes me much different. I can play hip-hop, R&B, top 40, Reggae, old school, and I can host a party while I’m DJing. I embrace speaking and interacting with the crowd. I know it very well. Crowd control is an important skill to have as a DJ.

For the DMV Only: You aren’t originally from the DMV, talk about your roots and upbringing and how that has played a part in the way you DJ and host events?DJ Schemes: My family is from Jamaica and I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, so that exposed me to all different types of music. I have a really wide ear for different types of music and I’ve learned to appreciate and connect with various genres. Growing up in Brooklyn and eventually moving here really helped me expand my knowledge. I attended West Virginia University, a division one predominantly white school, and that experience made me appreciate other music. I remember the first club where I ever DJ’d in 04 or 05. I had to play a country song called “Country Roads “at midnight. I couldn’t believe how hype the crowd was, but they were, and it was known that I would play Country Roads at midnight every time I worked there. That was their “anthem.” Now, I know and appreciate the song and you can even catch me singing it sometimes.

For the DMV Only: Who are some of your musical influences? DJ Schemes: Growing up, being born into a family that was very musically centered made me who I am. Lloyd Robinson (My dad) was a DJ and he had his own sound system. He taught me how to channel my skills and grow my musical knowledge. Even my cousins were really into music as well and I was able to see that we all had the same love and passion for music. I wouldn't call it faith, but I do believe that everything happens for a reason. That was a big part of my life. As far as mainstream artists, I really looked up to Bob Marley, Beanie Man, Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige (My older sister loved her so that was all I heard back in the day!)

For the DMV Only: You were recently named the DMV’s newest member of The Core DJs, how did that feel?DJ Schemes: It was another accomplishment and step in my life because I have been going to Core DJ Retreats for the past three years, and I’ve seen how these guys operate: the camaraderie, the respect that they have for each other and the respect that they receive. So I knew that I definitely wanted to be a part of it, but I knew I had to put in the ground work to get noticed. When I got the call, it shocked me, because I could’ve never known when things were going to happen, but it was perfect timing.

Follow DJ Schemes on Twitter @DJSchemes and visit www.djschemes.com to check out his mixes.

OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) -- Officials in the beach resort town of Ocean City have banned synthetic marijuana.

Mayor Rick Meehan signed an emergency ordinance Tuesday banning the sale, possession and manufacturing of K2 and other substances that contain marijuana imitations or hallucinogenic agents, and any associated paraphernalia. The town council had approved the measures.

Councilman Joe Hall dissented, saying he preferred to wait for state action. But Meehan says that could take months and Ocean City shouldn't wait.

The council encouraged police to begin searching boardwalk stores for the substance immediately.

Worcester State's Attorney Beau Oglesby says he's optimistic the ordinance will have an immediate impact on what he considers to be a "very real problem" in Ocean City. He believes that county officials will consider a county-wide ban.

The wait is finally over as Uptown XO releases his highly anticipated project, Monumental II. Produced by ABthePro, Monumental II also features Diamond District, Fat Trel and Gordo Brega. Along with the release of the Monumental II project, XO is also premiering the video for “Told You So” ft. Diamond District shot on the eve of Hurricane Irene and Directed by Langston Sessoms.

A couple weeks back, we reported that local music company GOV Life joined forces with standout DC rappers RaTheMC and Bear Witnez (see story link below). We did not report that RaTheMC signed to the label but, as it was explained by Nu The Mayor, rather was going to be represented managerially by his company. Maybe there was a misunderstanding between the parties involved or the information being shared by the label was inaccurate because the entire situation fell apart just like that. Everybody seems to have to went their separate ways.Link:

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

August 24, 2011 (Washington, DC) - Decide where you want to go by pressing play. DC native Sinitus Tempo invites listeners to travel with him on a journey of sound with his latest instrumental album PEACELAND. Titled after a song on the late Nujabes 2003 album Metaphorical Music, Tempo infuses jazz and classical instrumentation with varied bass lines to present the opportunity to time-travel wrapped in experimental hip-hop soul. With an edge of rustic presentation, Sinitus Tempo brings a record player to your computer, using elements of our musical past to bring people to a more forward, intrinsic place in the present.

Yung Richie P (Marlon Brown) is an up and coming rap artist from the DMV via Uptown-(All Da Way Uptop Shepherd Park) and has lived in Montgomery County and PG County as well., with affiliation to Major Independent Music & Major Mayo (another artist & producer). Yung Richie P grew up on music and always knowing what the new hot songs and artists that were out, Big Daddy Kane, one of the first he listened too. He also created his own go-go band when he was younger, which kept his interest in a music career to build. Yung Richie P has a smooth laid back cool character similar to that of Rappers such as Fabolous and Juelz Santana & Jim Jones Santana.Other rappers that influence him are (Nas, Camron, Birdman, Lil Wayne/Hot Boyz, Jay-Z, Pimp C/UGK, Young Jeezy, Lil Boosie, Pharrell, P Diddy, Too Short & Eazy-E). He takes no BS from anybody, and he is very much a ladies man and loves getting money. He would like his image and music to be heard and exposed throughout the DMV as well as Nationally.

He has an upcoming Mixtape Release for end of the the month of July : "Uptown State of Mind." There are features by Phil Da Phuture (368), Jim Jones (Dipset) , Major Mayo (Major Independent Music), Chink Santana (DIpset), Vado (Dipset)/Singer Christian, Gangsta Villains/DC, Boobe (Oy Boyz), Briscoe (Cash Money), Top Dollar, King Shug (Major Life Entertainment)

Yung Richie P also has several more songs and video releases to come this summer. He really wants this DMV area to know who he is and be talking about him all summer. His recently released song and video (Directed by the famous Chris Broadway Romero) (Racks - Feat. Mayo & Jim Jones) has created some notoriety amongst many in the DMV and Philly and NY area. Favorite Quote: "You Ain't Gotta Like It, But You Gotta Respect It." I have took the liberty of attaching pics of Yung Richie P, as well as links below to all of his pages and videos. Most videos directed by Niche/Muddy District TV and Jon Powell/JUKEBOXDC.

Monday, August 22, 2011

The Fast & Delirious Tokyo Spliff is the 3rd project from Rugged Soulz,
and is produced entirely by Japanese producer Kut.
It is an uptempo percussion driven project that stems from
the collaborative creative efforts of both Rugged Soulz members; Mic Lungz and Ra, and the
project's producer Kut. The Fast & Delirious Tokyo Spliff is set to drop on September 20, 2011
for fans and music lovers.

DeFakto came to be an artist and emcee as the byproduct of a simmering blend of childhood interests. A natural love for hiphop, an appreciation for art through his gift for drawing, a life-long highly-regarded knack for creative writing and a rich spirit of both jest and honest expression were all traits that DeFakto cultivated growing up in Virginia. His most vivid early memory of hiphop was seeing Run DMC and The Beastie Boys live in concert as a kid. That impression would never fade but DeFakto didn’t jump into the rap world for years to come. In middle and high school, DeFakto lightly flirted with freestyling just for fun in classic cafeteria lunch table fashion. By college, DeFakto was a good “off-the-top” freestyle emcee who successfully tested his prowess occasionally in both official and unofficial battles. That interest would wane as he explored the recording process through trial and error. It would take lots of time and development before coming into his own on the recording side and DeFakto refused to neglect that necessary growth. Late into college, he made a serious commitment to the artistry and culture with a conscious effort at increasing his exposure. Be it collaborative or solo, DeFakto has released a few official, professionally-packaged, independent albums since his own 2006 debut Exactly Write as well as several mixtape and promo projects. He has also landed songs on a host of compilation mixes and websites over the years with much more music in the works. Not restricted to the studio, the VA emcee has been a paid headliner for years, bringing his high-energy show to different venues all over and primarily in the mid-Atlantic region. Having been named after the law term “de facto,” he is an actual hiphop artist in a rap world that only makes false claims of being real.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Few 9 year old children have their lives mapped out. Fast forward two decades and you find that Antagonist is one of those few. A native of Norfolk, VA, Antagonist has been honing his craft since grade school. A producer, an emcee, and an artist all wrapped into one. He has produced tracks for Wu-Syndicate, Cory Gunz, The Arsonists, Trigger the Gambler, Thad Reid, and more. He has paid dues thru freestyle battles and shows across the East Coast. Antagonist is Virginia’s modern day Diamond D; the illest producer on the mic.

Venem releases his critically acclaimed 3rd mixtape, PA to VA: The Saga, hosted by Mr. DMV, DJ Rob. This is a full length story of a journey from PA to VA, from boy to man, rapper to MC, rap to hip-hop between. 20 tracks deep featuring full length songs, club bangers, love songs, great wordplay and deep lyrics, production from Manny Perez, Vybe, DJ Quote, MIDI Marc and more...

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Studio 43, a company founded by Kenny Burns and originally formed for Promotion and Marketing purposes branched off into music in 2006, recently decided to no longer focus on music. I called KB to get the first hand scoop and he confirmed it (So stop the little school girl chatter). He stated that “the music wasn’t making any money and I decided to focus on what I originally started 43 for, which is a promotion and marketing company”. In 2006 Studio 43 ventured into the music realm and signed young Maryland rapper named Wale. You don’t need me to go into great detail about what was accomplished and also transpired during that period but lets just say the city was buzzing and the rest is history. Wale moved on to greener pastures and 43 signed Marky. Marky eventually got a deal with Universal/SRC but an official album was never released and Marky has since went ghost. Studio 43 signed XO and a slew of other artist. I reached to some of the artist to get a balanced viewpoint and here are some of the questions I asked and the answers I received.

GORDO BREGA

JU: Why did you signed with Studio 43?

GB: I was never signed to sudio43 on paper, but me and Kenny Burns had an understanding. At the same time i was doing my own thing with D.T.O Records, Inc.; me and my brother Kwabena Nkrumah label. But XO being my lil brother, and Ab The Pro being a producer that admired No Homo lol i felt like Studio43 would be a great look for my career, and my city, So I was all in.

JU: What were some memorable moments for you at 43?

GB: Between the release of monumental, and MWA is like a tie. We really felt(ME, AB, XO) this was it, we had the lifestyle specialist Kenny Burns, and the city behind us is a Wrap!!! Both the Album were classics, even 1.1.10 to me. With the right push and our chemistry we finally had the RocaFella of DC in my eyes. When did u notice or when were u told that 43 wasn't doing music anymore? I mean things started going downhill with me when i refuse to sign the contract, my lawyer advice me that it wasn't in my best interest. I try to reach out to Kenny, but no response. Ricky and Oboy kept telling me just sign the contract, so i started second guessing my decision. I was whiling to sign the contract anyway cause i believed in the movement, just needed to speak 1 0n 1 with Kenny before i did and that was to much to ask. Whole time, i was still doing shows, making my own videos, mass producing my own album, and getting tables at the clubs, while they screaming studio43. But After Months of going back and forth, we decided to agree to disagree.

JU: How did you find out 43 was going to stop making music?

GB: I was on twitter and people kept asking me about Kenny Burns and 43 , so I tweeted "I'm No longer with that label, and stop asking me about big homie he for self anyways". I got a phone call 2 minutes later from Oboy, but is Kenny on the phone like "Gordo all that subtweeting not necessary, 43 no longer a label..u still my lil brother wish the best, i'm like cool" and that was it.

JU: What were some of the issues at 43?

GB: The main issue is that nobody is bigger or better than Kenny Burns, Is the CEO of team self lol his the lifestyle specialist but it was nothing special about my lifestyle fucking with him. I'm out here repping the brand, paying my way and you basically selling me dreams. I'm not bitching cause I'm a man, i just wanted to be Kenny business partner not is child or his hoer, like damn holmes respect my gangsta!! he though that sending me a few Jordan's and free clothes was looking out but i didn't need that from him, i wasn't looking for a handout...i was working for an opportunity. Don't get me wrong Kenny Burns showed me how not be, and he motivated me at the same time to be better and Think Big. So Thanks!

GM: But forget me, i was already a street legend in my own way before studio43, but AB and Xo they was all in, they was working hard and were proud to rep 43, like we felt we was bosses and Kenny was the big brother, and the was they carry them smh specially AB he produced every album, back to back for 4 yrs. XO was on his way to stardom before 43 with Diamond District and all the material he release, like the TimeLess EP with Judah. Ab was working with Marky, Rah was doing her like we were us with them, and we still us without 43 as you can see.

JU: Did u accomplish your goals at 43?

GB: Through all the B.S. i meet some great people, Me, Xo and Ab The Pro relationship became stronger. So I can say Yes, Because I set out to prove a point, that i was able to compete and perform with the best of them. I stamped my name in the city with Studio43 as far as the DMV goes, the streets i been had but seem me with Kenny Burns made then believe a lil bit more. at the end of the day, I ain't bitter or mad at anything. Kenny was never boys, we didn't grow up together, he doesn't owe me nothing. I'm a man of my word, and i hate when people don't stand by theirs but that's life. I'm grateful for the opportunity and the experience, i'm still cool with Ricky Parker, Jayne Kennedi mi Hermana lol so i wish then the best in whatever they decide to do.

JU: What's next for u?

GB: Everything! Mix-tapes, Albums, Videos, Shows, Tours, Sponsorships etc. Expect nothing but hard work and determination. Growing up people doubting me, made me a believer; that everything happens for a reason. I came from nothing, i have nothing! but my talent, my people(Latinos), my family and the hood and i refuse to let them down. OG told me :"You don't have be sick, to get better" and that's my new slogan. New Management, My Own Label, Same Migo, Same Attitude. But one thing for sure, two things for certain from now on when you Think Gordo, You Gotta Thin Big!!!!! DTO/MWA4LIFE #SECRETSOCIETY FREE @99GRAMS

RAtheMC

JU: Why did you sign with Studio 43?

RTMC: It was a good management move for me at the time.

JU: What were some memorable moments for you at 43?

RTMC: The entire process of recording my 1st LP "Heart of a Champion"

JU: How did you find out that 43 wasn't doing music anymore?

RTMC: I was told 43 wasn't doing music anymore a couple months ago, but I think we all saw it coming.

JU: What were some of the issues at 43?

RTMC: There were a few. A lot of things were lacking. I'll just say plan and execution was an issue for me. I need a solid plan before I move forward with any venture and I personally didn't feel like I wasn't provided or assisted with that towards the end.

JU: Did u accomplish your goals at 43?

RTMC: I believe so. My goal is always to put out the best music I can. I think we achieved that during my time with 43.

I thought this post was important because as many of you may or may not know I was apart of the Studio 43 movement in the early days (from the beginning) and i am connected to the people I worked with and built relationships with while i was there. Like that great greek mythology saying "All great empires must fall" by no means am i call Studio 43 a "great empire" but one thing i can say is it spring-boarded a lot of artist careers at some point and to gained them more buzz and awareness locally and worldwide. It simply ran its course! I also felt i owed my light skinned brother KB and the artist the respect to do this post because I know all of them personally and business wise. I know Kenny accomplished some of his goals with the indie music by stamping Wale's interscope release "Attention Deficit" and getting some other local artist buzzing and it also looks like some of the artist accomplished some goals they set out for so its a win/win situation.

Even though i haven't worked with 43 since 2008 or so, I definitely had my share of issues over at 43 but I can say I had more fun memories than anything. Making classic mixtapes/albums, traveling, shows and just overall experience made it dope. NOTHING WILL EVER BEAT PARTYING AT THE VERSACE MANSION IN MIAMI WOWZER!Respect and love to all that built the Studio 43 Brand and respect to Studio 43 for building artist and producers brands as well.

Special S/O to Robo*XO didn't get his answers back in time so....No XO answers. LOL